Maturity and longevity?

[wondersofwine]

Keep in mind that probably 95% of wines are made for early drinking. Ones that might pay off for some extended cellar time are the more tannic wines such as Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, the bigger Syrahs or Shiraz, etc. Some wineries post suggested windows for drinking on their website. For example if you brought home a Cabernet Sauvignon from California and wondered when to open it you could Google for the winery website and see if there are any technical notes that recommend drinking between 2009 and 2015, etc. Berry Brothers Rudd (a large British wine shop) has vintage notes on a website and there are others that give general suggestions by region (for a 1996 Burgundy whether to drink or hold or past its prime, etc.) Some sweet white wines, Sauternes, German Auslese or Beerenauslese, etc. also benefit from cellaring for lengthy periods but most white wines can be opened soon after bottling.

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 07-27-2006).]

[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 07-27-2006).]